Sustainable construction by HOCHTIEF subsidiary Flatiron: Bridge
building with minimal disturbance of the environment – here seen on
the Highway 17 Bypass.
practice. We have consequently been able to strengthen
and extend our leading role in the ViCon segment. The
technology is also deployed internationally by ViCon units
at HOCHTIEF companies Turner and Thiess.
Deploying HOCHTIEF tunneling technology
In constructing the Neuer Schlüchterner Tunnel between
Hanau and Fulda in Germany, HOCHTIEF used two innovations
from its InTun (Innovative Modules for Tunneling)
R&D activities. The hydraulic TBM launching rig method
removes
the previous need to provide an elaborate steel
structure to guide the shield into the ground. Under the
time and money-saving method developed by HOCHTIEF,
the tunnel-boring machine (TBM) jacks itself in under its
own power. We have since applied the method on a number
of projects. The development cost has thus been
quickly recouped through in-process savings.
To connect the new tunnel with the old and provide escape
routes, we incorporated seven cross tunnels in the project.
Here, too, HOCHTIEF made use of a method that was developed
in-house and is significantly more cost-effective
and simpler to apply than the conventional approach. The
savings again soon exceeded the R&D costs.
Every project powered by R&D
The projects outlined above constitute only a small selection
illustrating the importance of R&D. A major role is
played in this connection by HOCHTIEF Consult, an ideas
factory that ranks among Germany's largest engineering
consultants.
Technological or process innovations feature in
Breathing roof: Among the sights of Melbourne,
Southern Cross Station
was built by Leighton,
our Australian subsidiary.
every HOCHTIEF project, and it would be impossible to list
them all. Many of our innovations are also subject to confidentiality.
Collaborative network boosts R&D
Close collaboration with universities, scientists and industry
associations has a key role in the development and
implementation
of innovative ideas. Among other things,
HOCHTIEF has launched a doctoral program allowing
Group employees to be released while they complete a
doctorate. The doctoral students represent an interface
between the Group and the university concerned, further
deepening our already close cooperation with institutes of
higher education. Equal weight is thus given to advancing
R&D in both theory and practice. The Group also cooperates
closely with major universities at international level.
As a member of the European Construction Technology
Platform (ECTP), we play our part in maintaining a high
level of research in the European construction industry.
HOCHTIEF is also in ENCORD, the European Network of
Construction Companies for Research and Development.
